We dreamed up a simple but delicious dish several years ago that combines three favorite ingredients: goat cheese, rosemary and extra virgin olive oil.

This freshly made goat cheese spread is a popular request around the house on special occasions, such as Father’s Day and Mother’s Day. But you can serve it any time. The goat cheese is excellent spread on a slice of crusty artisan bread. You can then top the bread with freshly grilled vegetables such as zucchini and sweet peppers.

To make the spread, let a 4-ounce log of goat cheese come to room temperature in a small bowl.  Using a fork, mix in 2 tablespoons or more of extra virgin olive oil. Add anywhere from half a teaspoon to 2 teaspoons of chopped fresh rosemary, and some freshly cracked pepper to taste. (For a change of pace, add some fresh lemon zest.) You then drizzle the mixed goat cheese with additional EVOO.

The feast pictured here – featuring the goat cheese spread, grilled vegetables and a freshly made artisan loaf – was prepared for Father’s Day and served on the deck. We used our Miller’s Blend extra virgin olive oil.

The stunning Italian round loaf featured in the photo is a Genzano Country Bread. It was created from Daniel Leader’s great bread making book, Local Breads.

You can find plenty of other delicious recipes using extra virgin olive oil on our Web site.

Bon appétit,

Claude S. Weiller
Vice President of Sales & Marketing
California Olive Ranch

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